Microsoft to skip Gamescom, Tokyo Game Show

Microsoft will not attend this year’s Gamescom (August) and Tokyo Game Show (September) trade events, it has told Japanese media.

The company shined the spotlight on its upcoming lineup at E3 last week, including Halo 4, Forza Horizon, Fable: The Journey, Gears of War: Judgment, Dance Central 3, and new services. It promises Japanese customers, partners, retailers, and media that it will continue to expand its promotional activities for Xbox 360.

Thanks, Famitsu.

Update: Xbox LIVE director of programming Larry Hryb has released an official statement on his blog.

“As you saw at E3, we have a solid line-up of games launching this holiday, along with other entertainment experiences. We’ve changed our approach a little, though,” said Hryb.

“This year, Xbox will be focusing on smaller, more localized promotions and experiences for press, partners, retailers and customers around the world. Which means that as you might have seen on some of the news sites today, we won’t be taking part in gamescom or Tokyo Games Show this year.”